Well, this really is a La Nina weather year...for the Pacific Northwest Coast, it seems that we are locked into a permanent October pattern!
So, what to do in this cool & showery non-existent summer season?
Put on the windbreaker & hat, & get out there anyway, to take those kayak or sailing lessons...the seals & seabirds & sea lions are still out there, the beauty of our local waters remains, & the experience of being right at sea level is mesmerizing regardless of whether sunny or grey.
What about the first run films at our charming movie theatre? Or the concerts, theatre, gallery offerings at ArtSpring? What about a leisurely meander around the island, to sample the talents on display on the famed studio tour? The Saturday Market in the Park, and the foodie Tuesday markets (9:30 to 2 at the Hereford Green, beside the United Church, & 3 to 7 at Centennial Park) are all great, rain or shine!
Check out ArtCraft at Mahon Hall (showcase of Gulf Islands artists), be inspired by visiting the Ganges Village art galleries (Steffich Fine Art, Gallery 8, Starfish, Pegasus, Salt Spring Gallery of Fine Art) plus ArtSpring's galleries...
Enjoy special coffees, teas, "goodies" to treat, at: Cafe Talia, Rendezvous Cafe, Roasting Company, TJ Beans, Treehouse Cafe, Penny's (formerly Jana's), Barb's Bakery...check out the walls for more local art!
Browse the great bookstores & choose a "best summer read" item...Volume 2, Black Sheep Books, Watermark Books, & Salt Spring Books.
Treat yourself to live music at Treehouse Cafe, Harbour House Hotel, Moby's...delight in the Chefs Across The Water series at Hastings House...dine out "just because": Calvin's Bistro, Piccolo's, Seaside Kitchen, Bocados Bistro, Rock Salt Cafe, Salt Spring Inn, Harbour House Hotel, Marketplace Cafe, Auntie Pesto's...wow! We really are a foodie's paradise!
Ruckle Park is great for a walk, no matter the weather!
Golf is good...two courses to play on!
Beachcombing at Fernwood works any day of the year!
Indoor pool for swimming exercise!
So, a long late Fall or a lengthy early Spring (depending on your point of view)...whatever...we are totally lucky to be able to call this part of the world "home"!
Enjoy your summer...and remember to "take five".
How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me!
